The Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest printing museums in the world, is closely connected to the city of Mainz. After decades at Liebfrauenplatz, the previous location in the so-called Schellbau was closed in early October 2024 to make way for a new building.
Since the end of November 2024, the museum has been hosting the interim exhibition "Gutenberg Museum MOVED" at the Natural History Museum Mainz, Reichklarastraße 1. In the restored rooms of the former Clarissan convent, the museum presents itself with a modern exhibition concept that combines classical content with contemporary methods of communication. Media technology and an innovative curatorial approach relate the history of printing to current social issues.
At the center is Johannes Gutenberg, the most famous son of the city of Mainz. With the invention of printing with movable metal type over 550 years ago, he triggered a media revolution whose influence is still felt today. The exhibition illuminates Gutenberg's life, his inventions and their historical impact, and teaches the basics of printing.
Outstanding objects from the museum's collection are showcased, specifically linked to current topics in media, communication, and society. Interactive elements particularly engage younger visitors—such as a selfie station that allows them to photograph themselves in the backdrop of a historical printing workshop and take the image digitally or as a print.
A special highlight is two copies of the world-famous 42-line Gutenberg Bible, which can be compared directly in a walk-in treasure chamber. The upper floors vividly convey the history of printing: two Gutenberg workshops demonstrate how printing was done in Gutenberg's time. The printing shop also remains a central space for educational projects, allowing practical experiences with printing techniques.
With its internationally significant collection, award-winning exhibitions, and innovative communication offerings, the Gutenberg Museum attracts over 140,000 visitors from around the world each year, making the history of the art of printing an engaging experience.
